Banks Co. Authorities Make Gambling Bust

Banks County authorities bust a store on gambling-related allegations.

Friday at about 1 p.m., the Banks County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant for the premises of The Country Store located at 2448 Highway 51 South in Lula where investigators seized four lottery gambling machines and over $16,000.

Banks County investigators said they began to receive complaints regarding illegal gambling taking place within the business.

According to investigators, these complaints led to an extensive investigation which ultimately brought about multiple charges against the three accused.

On Monday afternoon, three people turned themselves into Banks County Detention Center in connection to the case.

They are 36-year-old Pinal Manilal Patel of Lawrenceville, 32-year-old Cannon Morgan Patel of Commerce, and 28-year-old Purva Kumar Patel of Commerce.

Charges include Keeping a Gambling Place of Business and Commercial Gambling.

Banks County authorities said the business is licensed to possess the coin operated gaming machines but during the investigation it was found that winners were being paid out in cash rather than through lottery tickets or store credit.